Post by David Walker
Outright Odds: 9/1Group C Winners: five/four
Subsequent a dismal Planet Cup four decades in the past which saw initial spherical elimination, Argentina will glimpse to make a severe affect at this year’s finals. Once again, they enter as 1 of the favourites to win the tournament but there are nevertheless doubts as to regardless of whether they can compete with great rivals Brazil when it really matters.
Argentina ended up the first side to qualify from the pool of South American teams vying for a spot in Germany, despite the fact that a defeat to Uruguay in the last match saw them end 2nd on aim difference to Brazil. Argentina managed to defeat Brazil three-1 at property but lost by the same score earlier on in qualifying.
Even so, a single win against the Brazilians does not cover up the fact they were beaten in consecutive summers in the Copa The us and had been soundly thrashed 4-1 in last year’s Confederations Cup. They are a side with lots to demonstrate if they are to emerge from the shadow of their far more profitable South The united states neighbours.
Supervisor Jose Pekerman, a former taxi-driver following his personal enjoying job completed, has made a great deal of alterations following old boss Marcelo Bielsa’s departure and has slowly and gradually introduced new faces to substitute the dismal failures of 2002.
Argentina, even though they do not possess a Ronaldo or Ronaldinho, have an extraordinary strength in depth to make most opposition sick with envy. In attack there is an abundance of expertise with Hernan Crespo, Carlos Tevez, Luciano Figueroa, Javier Saviola and teen sensation Lionel Messi all fighting for a place.
Such is the abundance of accessible gamers in midfield, Pekerman can even manage to drop Juan Sebastian Veron without any serious ramifications. Juan Roman Riquelme, at his peak at 28 decades aged in Germany, seems to be set to take over Veron’s mantle after a sensational qualifying campaign. Supported by Juan Pablo Sorin and veteran Javier Zanetti down the flanks, Argentina could be devastating in assault if they are in the mood.
However, that could be their downfall. Regardless of a abundant choice of midfield and attacking expertise, the aspect is still above-reliant on Riquelme who has a tendency to blow very hot and cold. It can also be argued whether or not or not Pekerman has found an excellent starting line-up.
Pekerman has a impressive report at creating younger players and has enjoyed success with Argentina by winning Planet Youth Cups in 1995, 1997 and 2001. He has produced progress with the senior side but can he get it a single phase additional and win Argentina’s 1st trophy in 12 a long time?
Advised Wager:
Even with an apparent abundance of attacking talent and strength in depth, Argentina are like to fall brief once more when it actually issues. They should improve on their very last Globe Cup campaign and qualify from the group stage.
Holland vs Argentina draw @ 2/1
About the Writer
David Walker runs a no cost Planet Cup bets web site and has published in depth Planet Cup previews. A free of charge 45-web page Planet Cup guide is obtainable from the internet site and attributes a “totally free Globe Cup football shirt for each reader” provide.